Medallion Metals Acquires 258 Hectares to Meet Critical Environmental Offsets
Medallion Metals has taken a crucial step by acquiring 258 hectares near Ravensthorpe to meet environmental offset requirements, advancing its gold project approvals under federal law.
- Binding contract signed for 258 hectares of offset land near Ravensthorpe
- Land acquisition supports environmental offset strategy under EPBC Act
- Sulphide Development Strategy involves underground mining and processing at Forrestania
- EPBC Act approval decision expected by end of 2025
- Ongoing negotiations to acquire Forrestania remain critical to project timeline
Strategic Land Acquisition Advances Environmental Compliance
Medallion Metals Limited has announced a binding contract to acquire approximately 258 hectares of freehold land adjacent to its Ravensthorpe Gold Project (RGP). This acquisition is a pivotal milestone in the company’s environmental offset strategy, a mandatory component under both federal and Western Australian environmental regulations. The land will serve as a foundation for offsetting the ecological impact of the proposed underground mining operations at RGP.
Balancing Development with Environmental Responsibility
The Ravensthorpe project’s underground mining activities are expected to clear 70 to 80 hectares of native vegetation, including areas protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) and the WA Biodiversity Conservation Act. Medallion’s newly acquired Offset Blocks, located within 10 kilometres of the mine site, feature similar ecological characteristics and are deemed suitable to meet these offset requirements. The company plans to re-establish native vegetation on this land, working closely with Indigenous groups and other stakeholders to ensure environmental and cultural considerations are addressed.
Advancing the Sulphide Development Strategy
Medallion is progressing its Sulphide Development Strategy, which involves mining high-grade sulphide ore underground at Ravensthorpe and transporting it to the established Cosmic Boy flotation plant at Forrestania for processing. A scoping study completed in late 2024 confirmed the technical and commercial viability of this approach. However, the timeline for project commencement hinges on regulatory approvals, particularly the EPBC Act assessment, and the successful acquisition of Forrestania, which remains under negotiation.
Regulatory Outlook and Next Steps
With the offset land acquisition secured, Medallion is poised to submit the necessary documentation to advance the EPBC Act approval process. The company anticipates a decision on the project’s environmental approval before the end of 2025. This regulatory milestone is critical, as it will influence the overall development schedule and investor confidence. Meanwhile, the company continues to engage with stakeholders and refine its environmental management plans to support a sustainable mining operation.
Bottom Line?
Medallion’s land acquisition marks a key step toward unlocking Ravensthorpe’s potential, but regulatory and acquisition hurdles remain.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the EPBC Act approval be granted within the expected timeframe?
- How will ongoing negotiations for Forrestania impact the project’s development schedule?
- What measures will Medallion implement to ensure the success of its environmental offset strategy?
